Thanks, I'll take a look for ratchet pulleys. Maybe they'll know what I'm talking about if I describe it (again).

Just tell them it's the pulley and crank on the front of every boat trailer ever made.
This is the one you want. It's $24.99, and the crank is on the front, it's geared, and 2000 lb capacity..... Make sure you bolt it to a stud with some good lag bolts...>>LINK<<

Quote:

Originally Posted by sprowley

You could use one of the small ATV winches - something between 500 and 1000 pounds. They're super cheap and its automated! Since the top weighs nowhere near that much, you could probably gear the pullies so that it works pretty fast, at least as fast as your hand would crank.

I thought about doing that as well. Problem is, there are no 12 volt outlets in my garage. I know you could pop the hood on the Jeep and hook it up, but seem's like a hassle. Besides, as often as you would use it, I would stay with a cheap mechanical one. At least here on the left coast, you would only use it twice a year.
However, Harbor frieght has some 120 volt ones for pretty cheap too. Used for lifting stuff, engine hoists, etc....
Here's one for $114.99 in 120 volt, 1500 lb......

Great job. Do you notice any difference in the fit of the gate with the extra weight? High-lifts are pretty heavy.
PS: Paint the jack any color you want that would compliment your ride.

It did add a bit of sag that you notice when opening the tail gate. The tire sits on the rear bumper when it is closed so I do not think it will be that bad on the road. This was just a temp fix until I can get a bumper and rack figured out for it.

I want to make a swingout tire carrier and rack. Just not sure what style I want yet.

Removed the back seat and cut 3/4 in. plywood to fit across the fender wells, side to side. Fits between back of the front seats and the roll bar mounts. Covered in black velour (don't ask why my wife had an extra roll of the stuff lying around) and stapled it up tight. Makes a great shelf for the back.

Close up the tailgate, add the tonneau cover and there are two sections separated and if someone does cut open or tears off the toneau, it looks like there's fixed shlf there protecting whatever gets put under it...